Teacher Education (PLP)

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements

The program's duration is four terms.

Professional studies and activities are arranged in the following sequence.

First, students complete

In EDUC 402, student teachers begin the study of the literature of education and examine educational issues. Campus-based seminars will introduce theory, concepts and methodologies relevant to teacher development. Student teachers may also attend curriculum workshops to become more familiar with a vast array of educational resources. During the first term, the goal is to make meaning of the vast and complex world of educational practice, and have this meaning informed by the extensive study of the literature and by thoughtful, reflective discourse.

In EDUC 407, students explore the use of first-person narratives and reflections on lived experiences. This course aims to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding of the history of Indigenous education, inclusive education, and anti-racist/anti-oppression education. EDUC 407 involves the beginnings of a Professional Growth Portfolio which highlights student learning and goals for future consideration. 

Next, students complete

During EDUC 403 (part-time studies), students will need to take a 6-week leave from their paid work in order to complete a school experience in a classroom with a supervising teacher. Students also attend seminar classes each week on some Wednesdays and Saturdays. The course integrates in-school experiences with theoretical concepts discussed in seminars which are held during evenings and weekends. Students observe, practice teaching, and reflect on experiences in their practice teaching placement, and use these to further their understanding and practices as future teachers.

EDUC 408 includes explorations of current practices in school contexts in relation to Indigenous education, inclusive education, and anti-racist/anti-oppression education. Students will build upon the portfolio started in EDUC 407 to include new learnings and goals for future consideration in the context of curriculum and schools. 

All PLP student teachers are required to take a minimum of 15 units of upper division education courses in order to complete the Professional Coursework requirements for certification.

Courses can be taken over one or more terms to accommodate work schedules. With careful course and minor selection, student teachers can also complete a bachelor of education (BEd) as a second degree without adding any extra time or cost to the program. An advisor will provide more information on this option during the first term of the program.

To be recommended for certification, in EDUC 404, students must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade point average in courses taken towards the EDUC 404 requirement (or receive a P in Pass/Fail courses).

Lastly, students complete

During EDUC 405, student teachers are assigned to a classroom for 10-12 weeks of student teaching experience. The school associate and faculty associate provide help and guidance, as well as make assessments of students’ growth toward the achievement of standards of professional competence. The school placement is appropriate to the educational level and subject specialties in which the student expects to gain certification. All PLP student teachers must arrange with their districts for a full-time leave of absence for the entire practicum of EDUC 405. Students assume a large measure of responsibility and participate in a wide range of teaching and supervisory activities. Students will be placed by the placement coordinator in local schools in the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley. Students must be prepared to travel a distance to attend their school placements.

EDUC 409 includes the collection of evidence of the integration of Indigenous education, inclusive education, and anti-racist/anti-oppression education within the student teacher’s practice during their certifying practicum. This evidence informs the Capstone Portfolio Project which highlights learning and growth throughout the PLP and sets goals for the future, thus providing a bridge from the role of a student teacher to beginning teacher.

* not offered in summer term

** concurrent with EDUC 402

*** concurrent with EDUC 403

**** this zero-unit course functions as an umbrella course where the student completes 15 units of course work

***** concurrent with EDUC 405

General Regulations

Students complete normal Simon Fraser University enrollment procedures before commencing studies in any term of the professional linking program.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo a criminal record check. If the check indicates the applicant has a criminal record, that may preclude continuation in the teacher education program.

Students must meet program goals, as outlined in the Preservice Professional Studies Student Handbook.

Those with valid reasons may be given permission by the director of Professional Programs to interrupt their program. A formal request must be submitted in writing to the director, Professional Programs. A program interruption requested by a student may normally last no longer than two years.

Students who indicate their intention to undertake a given teacher education program term and then do not honour this commitment are considered to have withdrawn from the program. Permission to re-enter is not given automatically. 

Readmission

Students who withdraw from EDUC 402/407 must re-apply through Preservice Professional Studies Admissions.

EDUC 403/408: Students may apply for re-entry into EDUC 403/408 by the March 15 deadline for the two fall terms following the withdrawal. Students must meet the conditions for re-entry outlined in their withdrawal paperwork. An interview may be required. Applications must be submitted within two years of the withdrawal. Re-entry is competitive; there is no guarantee of admission to a particular term.

EDUC 405/409: Students may apply for re-entry by September 15 for the spring term or March 15 for the fall term. Students must meet the conditions for re-entry outlined in their withdrawal paperwork. An interview may be required. Applications must be submitted within two years of the withdrawal. Re-entry is competitive; there is no guarantee of admission to a particular term.

A student withdrawn from EDUC 405/409 for a second time may not re-enter the program unless by appeal.

Students who withdraw may apply for re-entry within two years of withdrawal. Students who do not re-enter within the specified time must re-apply to the program and must meet the admission requirements at the time of reapplication.

Recommendation for Certification

The academic and professional records of all students who have completed the four professional linking program terms will be subject to review by the faculty before a recommendation for certification is forwarded to the Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB).

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

• At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
• At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.